Is McAllen, TX cheaper than Denton, TX?

Based on cost of living data, McAllen, TX is 13.2% cheaper than Denton, TX. This translates to saving $990 per month.

What salary do I need in McAllen, TX to live like I do in Denton, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Denton, TX, you'd need approximately $138,124.272 in McAllen, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denton, TX and McAllen, TX?

Housing in McAllen, TX is 19.6% cheaper than in Denton, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,408/month in McAllen, TX compared to $1,567/month in Denton, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Denton, TX to McAllen, TX?

Moving from Denton, TX to McAllen, TX could save you approximately $990 per month, or $11876 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Denton, TX vs McAllen, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Denton, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $990/month moving to McAllen, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.1K in McAllen, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$990

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Denton, TX

Population:158K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$354K

McAllen, TX

Population:147K

Cost Index:

(13% below avg)

Median Home:$191K

Denton, TX

The Lone Star State

158K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 158K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

McAllen, TX

The Lone Star State

147K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 147K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denton, TX vs McAllen, TX

Category	Denton, TX	McAllen, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,384/mo	$1,917/mo	↓ $466less	19.6%
Transportation	$1,297/mo	$1,457/mo	↑ $161more	12.4%
Other	$1,924/mo	$1,767/mo	↓ $156less	8.1%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$535/mo	↓ $97.04less	15.4%
All Utilities	$563/mo	$524/mo	↓ $38.65less	6.9%
Groceries	$979/mo	$969/mo	↓ $10.10less	1.0%

Housing

↓ 19.6%

Denton, TX

$2,384

McAllen, TX

$1,917

Difference

$466

less

Transportation

↑ 12.4%

Denton, TX

$1,297

McAllen, TX

$1,457

Difference

$161

Other

↓ 8.1%

Denton, TX

$1,924

McAllen, TX

$1,767

Difference

$156

less

Healthcare

↓ 15.4%

Denton, TX

$632

McAllen, TX

$535

Difference

$97.04

less

All Utilities

↓ 6.9%

Denton, TX

$563

McAllen, TX

$524

Difference

$38.65

less

Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Denton, TX

$979

McAllen, TX

$969

Difference

$10.10

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,283

To$1,112

↓ $171

1 Bed

From$1,338

To$1,124

↓ $214

2 Bed

From$1,567

To$1,408

↓ $159

3 Bed

From$1,970

To$1,827

↓ $143

Denton, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,720/mo

McAllen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,050/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,777

Monthly in Denton, TX

$7,169

Monthly in McAllen, TX

$608

Difference

Home Values

Denton

McAllen

$354K

Median Value

$191K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +27.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.3%

$273K - $402K

Price Range

$178K - $260K

Homes in McAllen are 46% less expensive than Denton

Calculate payment - Denton Calculate payment - McAllen

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Denton, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

McAllen, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Denton, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

McAllen, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.